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Grand Japan Kobe Tokyo 2021

Layer after layer, Japan’s story unfolds. In Edo-period gardens with their perfectly sculpted karikomi. In Chiran’s exquisitely preserved samurai homes. In the peace memorials of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. And time after time you struggle to describe unforgettable moments, from your first view of Mount Fuji to the fluttering paper cranes of peace at Hiroshima’s Atomic Dome.

Day

Activity

Arrive

Depart

Day 1

Depart USA

Day 2

Kobe, Japan

06:00 PM

Day 3

Takamatsu, Japan

07:00 AM

06:00 PM

Day 4

Hiroshima, Japan

08:00 AM

05:00 PM

Day 5

Karatsu, Japan

11:00 AM

06:00 PM

Day 6

Busan, South Korea

07:00 AM

04:00 PM

Day 7

Nagasaki, Japan

06:00 AM

07:30 AM

Day 7

Nagasaki, Japan

10:00 AM

07:00 PM

Day 8

Kagoshima, Japan

09:00 AM

06:00 PM

Day 9

At Sea

Day 10

Shingu, Japan

07:00 AM

06:00 PM

Day 11

Shimizu, Japan

08:00 AM

06:00 PM

Day 12

Tokyo, Japan

08:00 AM

Day

Activity

Arrive

Depart

Day 1

Depart USA

Day 2

Kobe, Japan

06:00 PM

Day 3

Takamatsu, Japan

07:00 AM

06:00 PM

Day 4

Hiroshima, Japan

08:00 AM

05:00 PM

Day 5

Karatsu, Japan

11:00 AM

06:00 PM

Day 6

Busan, South Korea

07:00 AM

04:00 PM

Day 7

Nagasaki, Japan

06:00 AM

07:30 AM

Day 7

Nagasaki, Japan

10:00 AM

07:00 PM

Day 8

Kagoshima, Japan

09:00 AM

06:00 PM

Day 9

At Sea

Day 10

Shingu, Japan

07:00 AM

06:00 PM

Day 11

Shimizu, Japan

08:00 AM

06:00 PM

Day 12

Tokyo, Japan

08:00 AM

Tour Highlights

• Discover the beauty of UNESCO site Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, when you get to Shimizu

• Highlights of Busan to visit include Gyeongju, a UNESCO site and 1,500-year-old Tongdosa Temple

• Explore Shingu's UNESCO site Makimura-jinja Shrine, part of the Sacred Sites of Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

• See the 16th century Osaka Castle, the city's main historic landmark

Day

Activity / Description

Day 1

Depart USA

Depart the US on your overnight flight.

Date: 07-Jun-2020, Sun

Day 2

Kobe, Japan

Kobe is the 6th largest city in Japan and famous for its signature marbled beef. The Ikuta Shrine there is among Japan’s oldest shrines, dating back to the 3rd century. Kobe is also the gateway to Mount Rokko, accessible by antique cable cars, and the outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen. Other sites include the Sake Breweries, the Earthquake Museum, and Sorakuen Garden.

Date: 08-Jun-2020, Mon

Day 3

Takamatsu, Japan

The main gateway to Shikoku Island and an important focal point for the island’s rail and road transit systems, Takamatsu, on Japan’s scenic Inland Sea, has been a political and economic center since the Edo period. Among the attractions here is Ritsurin Garden, created during the Edo period, and especially popular during spring for the cherry blossoms and autumn for the fall foliage. Takamatsu Symbol tower has several observation decks providing panoramic views of the sea and landscapes.

Date: 09-Jun-2020, Tue

Day 4

Hiroshima, Japan

Largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during WWII, Hiroshima today is a modern city on the island of Honshu. The Hiroshima Memorial Peace Arch, a UNESCO site commonly referred to as the Atomic Dome, commemorates the 1945 event. One feature is a colorful memorial to Sadako Sasaki, a young woman whose dying wish for peace was told in the story A Thousand Paper Cranes. Also worth seeing is the Hiroshima Museum of Art displaying paintings from Monet, Van Gogh, Fujishima and Asai and the UNESCO red torii of Miyajima.

Date: 10-Jun-2020, Wed

Day 5

Karatsu, Japan

Located on the island of Kyushu, Karatsu is one of the closest Japanese cities to the Korean Peninsula. Karatsu Castle is the main attraction here. Built in 1608, it houses a museum of the castle’s history and Karatsu ceramics. Karatsu is also known for its pottery which can be viewed at the Karatsu-yaki Pottery Gallery. Also worth visiting is the Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall which displays the 14 floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi Festival in November.

Date: 11-Jun-2020, Thu

Day 6

Busan, South Korea

The second largest city in South Korea is a popular leisure destination due to the nearby hot springs. It is home to many famous beaches that lure visitors from around the world and the UNESCO site of Gyeongju an outdoor museum that was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom and holds many architectural points of interest including ornate temples. Also of interest is South Korea’s largest temple, Tongdosa Temple, renowned for having no outdoor statues.

Date: 12-Jun-2020, Fri

Day 7

Nagasaki, Japan

Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.

Date: 13-Jun-2020, Sat

Day 7

Nagasaki, Japan

Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.

Date: 13-Jun-2020, Sat

Day 8

Kagoshima, Japan

The seaside city of Kagoshima is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano facing Kinko Bay. Take a tour to the Shiroyama Observatory or to the peaceful Edo-period Sengamen Japanese Garden. Visit the Ishibashi Park and the three Edo-period stone bridges or travel to the nearby village of Chiran to see the well-preserved Samurai Houses and the Chiran Peace Museum, exploring the background of kamikaze pilots.

Date: 14-Jun-2020, Sun

Day 9

At Sea

Date: 15-Jun-2020, Mon

Day 10

Shingu, Japan

For over 1,000 years pilgrims have traveled to the Kumano Region to pray at the three Sacred Kumano Shrines. In Shingu you can see the Hayatama Shrine and the Kamikura Shrine. Both of these shrines are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Sacred Sites of Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The Kamikura Shrine sits on Mount Kamikurayama and requires climbing 538 steps to reach it.

Date: 16-Jun-2020, Tue

Day 11

Shimizu, Japan

Most notably known as the city you can see the UNESCO site of Mount Fuji from. This small port city considered one of the three most beautiful ports in Japan has many historical building like Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sumpugo Park, and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine. The 65-foot Shiraito Waterfall, located near Mount Fuji looks like it could be silk. Enjoy tuna from Japan’s largest fishery here or a cup of maccha, a Japanese green tea.

Date: 17-Jun-2020, Wed

Day 12

Tokyo, Japan

There are so many interesting things about Tokyo it is not possible to list them here and you will want to plan to extend your stay. This is the place for excellent and unlimited shopping choices and from where new fashion trends seem to spring. It offers excellent cuisine and has earned mention on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Even though Tokyo’s neon-lit streets make it seem modernistic, it also prides itself on retaining its shogun past, carrying on sumo tournaments and kabuki productions. Tokyo is also committed to providing green spaces in the city or on the outskirts, quickly reached by train.

Date: 18-Jun-2020, Thu

Day

Date

Activity / Description

Day 1

07-Jun-2020, Sun

Depart USA

Depart the US on your overnight flight.

Day 2

08-Jun-2020, Mon

Kobe, Japan

Kobe is the 6th largest city in Japan and famous for its signature marbled beef. The Ikuta Shrine there is among Japan’s oldest shrines, dating back to the 3rd century. Kobe is also the gateway to Mount Rokko, accessible by antique cable cars, and the outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen. Other sites include the Sake Breweries, the Earthquake Museum, and Sorakuen Garden.

Day 3

09-Jun-2020, Tue

Takamatsu, Japan

The main gateway to Shikoku Island and an important focal point for the island’s rail and road transit systems, Takamatsu, on Japan’s scenic Inland Sea, has been a political and economic center since the Edo period. Among the attractions here is Ritsurin Garden, created during the Edo period, and especially popular during spring for the cherry blossoms and autumn for the fall foliage. Takamatsu Symbol tower has several observation decks providing panoramic views of the sea and landscapes.

Day 4

10-Jun-2020, Wed

Hiroshima, Japan

Largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during WWII, Hiroshima today is a modern city on the island of Honshu. The Hiroshima Memorial Peace Arch, a UNESCO site commonly referred to as the Atomic Dome, commemorates the 1945 event. One feature is a colorful memorial to Sadako Sasaki, a young woman whose dying wish for peace was told in the story A Thousand Paper Cranes. Also worth seeing is the Hiroshima Museum of Art displaying paintings from Monet, Van Gogh, Fujishima and Asai and the UNESCO red torii of Miyajima.

Day 5

11-Jun-2020, Thu

Karatsu, Japan

Located on the island of Kyushu, Karatsu is one of the closest Japanese cities to the Korean Peninsula. Karatsu Castle is the main attraction here. Built in 1608, it houses a museum of the castle’s history and Karatsu ceramics. Karatsu is also known for its pottery which can be viewed at the Karatsu-yaki Pottery Gallery. Also worth visiting is the Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall which displays the 14 floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi Festival in November.

Day 6

12-Jun-2020, Fri

Busan, South Korea

The second largest city in South Korea is a popular leisure destination due to the nearby hot springs. It is home to many famous beaches that lure visitors from around the world and the UNESCO site of Gyeongju an outdoor museum that was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom and holds many architectural points of interest including ornate temples. Also of interest is South Korea’s largest temple, Tongdosa Temple, renowned for having no outdoor statues.

Day 7

13-Jun-2020, Sat

Nagasaki, Japan

Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.

Day 7

13-Jun-2020, Sat

Nagasaki, Japan

Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.

Day 8

14-Jun-2020, Sun

Kagoshima, Japan

The seaside city of Kagoshima is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano facing Kinko Bay. Take a tour to the Shiroyama Observatory or to the peaceful Edo-period Sengamen Japanese Garden. Visit the Ishibashi Park and the three Edo-period stone bridges or travel to the nearby village of Chiran to see the well-preserved Samurai Houses and the Chiran Peace Museum, exploring the background of kamikaze pilots.

Day 9

15-Jun-2020, Mon

At Sea

Day 10

16-Jun-2020, Tue

Shingu, Japan

For over 1,000 years pilgrims have traveled to the Kumano Region to pray at the three Sacred Kumano Shrines. In Shingu you can see the Hayatama Shrine and the Kamikura Shrine. Both of these shrines are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Sacred Sites of Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The Kamikura Shrine sits on Mount Kamikurayama and requires climbing 538 steps to reach it.

Day 11

17-Jun-2020, Wed

Shimizu, Japan

Most notably known as the city you can see the UNESCO site of Mount Fuji from. This small port city considered one of the three most beautiful ports in Japan has many historical building like Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sumpugo Park, and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine. The 65-foot Shiraito Waterfall, located near Mount Fuji looks like it could be silk. Enjoy tuna from Japan’s largest fishery here or a cup of maccha, a Japanese green tea.

Day 12

18-Jun-2020, Thu

Tokyo, Japan

There are so many interesting things about Tokyo it is not possible to list them here and you will want to plan to extend your stay. This is the place for excellent and unlimited shopping choices and from where new fashion trends seem to spring. It offers excellent cuisine and has earned mention on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Even though Tokyo’s neon-lit streets make it seem modernistic, it also prides itself on retaining its shogun past, carrying on sumo tournaments and kabuki productions. Tokyo is also committed to providing green spaces in the city or on the outskirts, quickly reached by train.

With only 212 guests, a Star Pride cruise will make you feel like you're on board your own private yacht almost as soon as you step aboard.
The sitting area of your spacious, newly refurbished suite gives you an expansive ocean view — making it a welcome retreat.
When you're ready to make an appearance, the lounges, club, casino and library are waiting to be explored. Take some "you" time in the tranquil WindSpa . . . enjoy a dip in the pool . . . work off that decadent dessert in the Fitness Center . . . and, of course, you are always welcome to visit the Bridge to examine navigation charts with the Captain.
Star Pride is large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.